Cordner thrives on Sonny's advice

Date: July 14 2013

Steve Jancetic

NSW debutant Boyd Cordner credits the arrival at the Sydney Roosters of coach Trent Robinson and dual international Sonny Bill Williams as the catalyst for his progression from Blue-in-waiting to Origin player.

Cordner was on Friday surprisingly elevated to Laurie Daley's final 17 for Wednesday night's series decider, the coach revamping his side's tactics following the withdrawal of skipper Paul Gallen with a foot injury.

Roosters back-rower Cordner was originally named as a shadow player for Greg Bird, and when Bird trained strongly on Friday, it was assumed the Old Bar Pirates junior would miss out.

But Daley instead opted to consign utility Josh Reynolds, who played just 14 minutes in Origin II after failing to get on the paddock in the series opener, to 18th man duties, with Cordner to be part of an all-forward bench which also includes Andrew Fifita, Anthony Watmough and Trent Merrin.

Cordner has long been considered an Origin player of the future, having captained the Origin under-20s side to victory last year. An Origin decider at a sold-out ANZ Stadium will be a fair step up for the 21-year-old - a leap he says he is ready for thanks to the help of Robinson and Williams in particular.

With Williams attracting much of the attention on and off the field, Cordner has been able to go about his business with a minimum of fuss. ''Going to training, I'm still starstruck,'' Cordner says of playing with the former All Black.

''Growing up as a kid he was my idol - I suppose he was every kid's idol. I've learned a lot off him - everything he says I'm hanging off every word, I take it on board.''

Cordner also credits Robinson for building a squad and culture which has allowed players to thrive, admitting the success of the high-flying Roosters played a role in his Origin selection.

''A lot has happened - we've had a new coach come to the club, new players, Michael Jennings, Sonny, James Maloney,'' Cordner said of the biggest difference in his game in the past 12 months.

''Pearcey's [Roosters and NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce] playing the best of his career and it just makes my job a whole lot easier. We've got a great team this year … the team success is a big part of why I'm here.''

The Blues are slated to have a training run against the NSW Residents side on Sunday, with Daley to ramp up his preparations now that his squad has been finalised.

AAP

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